. >> marlies tepass and her dog mutley. the crossbreed stays by her side with her through thick and thin. that's why she's certain: she wants to be buried next to her furry companion. >> he belongs to me. spouses are buried next to each other. why shouldn't the same go for my dog? it's great this is possible. >> but her husband isn't exactly happy about the idea. >> he says, "a human is a human, an animal is an animal." but knowing how much i want it he'll do it for me. , >> in the west german city of essen, a cemetery has become one of the first in the country to bury humans next to their pets. but its operators have to abide by strict regulations. >> the cremation of humans and that of animals is clearly separated. animals go to an animal crematorium, humans go to a human crematorium. after that, both urns can be handed over to us and we'll organize a joint burial. >> the issue splits the church. both confessions reject collective eulogies for pets and humans. but protestant vicars could come to terms with pets' ashes in